WATER QUALITY AND HYDRAULIC INFRASTRUCTURE ASSESSMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN THE JOA COMMUNITY, JIPIJAPA

Abstract

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/ig.v9i18.0365

Abstract

Access to safe water is unequal in Ecuador, particularly in rural areas where only 59% of the population is connected to a public network and community systems operate with minimal maintenance and sanitary oversight. Addressing this issue, this study comprehensively evaluated water quality and water infrastructure conditions in the Joa community (Jipijapa Canton) to assess the resource and structure a sustainable monitoring tool. A mixed-methods, non-experimental research design was employed. Five points within the system were evaluated; physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters were measured using portable equipment and compared against the Ecuadorian Technical Standard NTE INEN 1108:2014, while infrastructure for intake, conveyance, storage, and distribution was inspected via georeferenced site visits. Results showed that no source was suitable for direct human consumption due to fecal coliform levels ranging from 40 to 180 MPN/100 mL—well above regulatory limits—and four of the five points exceeded the maximum turbidity threshold of 5 NTU. Infrastructure assessments revealed infiltration losses of up to 40% of the flow rate and a reduction in usable volume due to sedimentation, demonstrating that physical deterioration contributes to water quality degradation. The study concludes that the problem involves both technical and institutional factors. As a solution, a participatory monitoring network comprising four community-operated stations was designed. Finally, it is recommended that sampling be expanded to cover both climatic seasons and include analyses for heavy metals and pesticides.

Keywords: fecal coliforms; participatory monitoring; water infrastructure; rural water supply; community management.